The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games is under way on a warm summer's evening in Croke Park, Dublin. Thousands of athletes from all over the world are gathered for what promises to be a spectacular start to a memorable week.
A number of high profile special guests are expected to participate in the ceremony.
Former South African president Mr Nelson Mandela will top the bill at the event, which will attract 85,000 people. The President, Mrs McAleese, the Corrs, U2, film-star Arnold Schwarzenegger and boxing legend Muhammed Ali will also appear on-stage, while Northern Irish comedian Mr Patrick Kielty will compere.
The final rehearsals for the event were in full swing yesterday in Croke Park, as athletes made their way from their various host towns nationwide to their bases in the Dublin area for the Games.
The events will be carried live on TV here, as well as in a number of countries worldwide, including the United States, Britain and India, and in a number of European countries.
Details of the opening ceremony were officially released yesterday. Proceedings will begin with a parade of athletes, and this will be followed by addresses from the President, Mrs McAleese, and the Chairman of the Games' Organising Committee, Mr Denis O'Brien.
This is turn will be followed by a taking of the Special Olympics oath, along with the staging of a Special Olympics' Ball, including a dance party and a performance by Riverdance.
The culmination of the ceremony will witness speeches by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, the founder of the Games, Ms Eunice Kennedy Shriver, U2 and finally, Mr Mandela, before Irish athlete David McAuley (16), from Creggan, Co Derry, lights the Olympic flame.
Gardai have advised that there will be extensive disruption to traffic in the city, and particularly in the immediate vicinity of Croke Park, leading up, during and after the ceremony.